News

15/11/2012:
Trade Delegation from Iowa to Visit the Philippines

PRESS RELEASEWDC-176-201215 November 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippines Embassy today welcomed the scheduled visit to Manila next year of a trade mission from the State of Iowa and expressed hope that this would pave the way for similar visits from other US states.

“We welcome the visit of the trade mission from Iowa and encourage the other US states to take a second look at the Philippines and explore the trade potentials there,” Ambassador Cuisia said in a statement shortly after receiving Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad on Wednesday, 15 November 2012.

“I also wish to underscore the strategic importance for states like Iowa to invest more in the Philippines and the other booming ASEAN economies,” Ambassador Cuisia said, adding that he expects the visit of the 20-member delegation from Iowa to bolster bilateral trade with the United States.

Governor Branstad said the trade mission, to be led by Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, will be in Manila in February.

“Lieutenant Governor Reynolds will be joined by 20 members who are leaders of Iowa’s agriculture, industrial and manufacturing sectors,” said Governor Branstad.

Official trade data show that Iowa exported $44.8 million worth of meat and edible preparations of meat, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products and plastics to the Philippines in 2011.

The Philippines, on the other hand, exported $1.3 million worth of vegetable preparations, fruits and nuts, apparel and accessories and electronics.

Governor Branstad also extended the invitation to Ambassador Cuisia to visit Iowa, given the state’s positioning as an international leader in several industries, including renewable energy; biosciences; agribusiness and agriculture; insurance and financial services; advanced manufacturing and information technology.

According to the 2010 US Census, there are 6,026 Filipinos in Iowa. ###

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